Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage and Japanese postcard on a white background.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage with hot sauce.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage heads with a Ramen noodle bowl.
A man holding a single head of Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage and Japanese postcard on a white background.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage with cooked cabbage with hot sauce.
Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage heads with a Ramen noodle bowl.
A man holding a single head of Nagasaki Late Chinese Cabbage.

Chinese Cabbage Seeds,
Nagasaki Late

4.911 Reviews#OR162 · 100 seeds
Price
Regular price $3.50
Regular price $0.00 Sale price $3.50
Save $-3.50
/

FREE U.S. SHIPPING2-YEAR GUARANTEE

Description

(Brassica rapa). Now listen… this one comes with a story. From the kitchens of Nagasaki, where generations have gathered around steaming bowls, this crisp, hearty green—known as Tojinna—has stood the test of time. Cool weather only makes it better, sweeter, fuller, more alive. Toss it in a hot wok, simmer it in broth, or let it shine in a slow, comforting soup. It’s the kind of vegetable that doesn’t just feed the body—it carries a tradition. A little crunch, a little warmth, and a whole lot of history in every bite.

Plant Details

Botanical Name
Brassica rapa
Life Cycle
Annual
Sun Requirement
4–6 hr.
Days to Germinate
10–14
Days to Maturity
70–90
Planting Depth
¼ in.
Plant Spacing
12–15 in.
Ideal Temperature
60–80°F
Frost Hardy
Yes

Growing Guide

When to Grow

Nagasaki Late should be planted in early spring, about 4-6 weeks before the last frost date, or in late summer for a fall harvest. This variety matures in approximately 70-90 days. It's ideal for temperatures ranging from 60 F to 80 F. Planting during cooler seasons helps prevent bolting. If you’re not sure how to find your first and last frost dates, consult our blog post 'Our Experts Answer Questions, Share Resources.'

How to Sow and Plant

Directly sow seeds about 1/4 inch deep in the garden, spacing the plants 12-15 inches apart to give each of them enough room to develop. For best results, thin seedlings to maintain this spacing once they are established. If starting indoors, use biodegradable pots to minimize root disturbance, and transplant when seedlings are 4 weeks old.

How to Grow

Nagasaki Late should be kept evenly moist but not waterlogged. Applying a balanced fertilizer at the start and then every few weeks during the growing season can support healthy growth. Shade may be needed in hot climates to prevent the plants from bolting. Regularly monitor for pests such as aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles, and use appropriate organic or chemical controls.

How to Save Seeds

  • Select your best plants to keep for seed and leave them to flower and go to seed.
  • Leave plants in the ground over winter, with heavy mulch and a row cover in harsh winter areas.
  • In the second season, the plant will send up flower stalks from the head, and as they mature they will become seed pods.
  • Once the seed stalks/pods are brown and dry, cut the seed stalks off, and break open the seed pods with your hands or a rolling pin over a container such as a bowl or plate, and separate and extract the seeds.

FAQ

Can Nagasaki Late Chinese cabbage be grown in containers?

Yes, it can be grown in containers that are at least 8-10 inches deep with good drainage. Container-grown plants should be watered regularly and moved to a shaded area in hotter weather to prevent bolting.

What are common pests and diseases, and how can they be managed?

Common pests include aphids, cabbage worms, and flea beetles. Diseases such as downy mildew and clubroot can also affect the plants. Regular monitoring, using row covers, and applying organic insecticides can help manage these issues. Crop rotation and avoiding planting where brassicas were previously grown can help prevent disease.

What can cause Nagasaki Late Chinese cabbage to develop a bitter taste?

A bitter taste in Chinese cabbage can occur if the plant bolts due to stress from high temperatures or inconsistent watering. Harvesting heads when they are young and tender and maintaining even moisture can help prevent bitterness.

Browse our full range of Chinese cabbage seeds.

Customer reviews

4.9 / 5 11 Reviews

What gardeners are saying

  • Fast, vigorous growth: Easy to grow and heads up quickly with little fuss.

  • Stir-fry staple: Tender leaves and crisp stems for stir fry, soup and salad.

  • Cut and come again: Pick outer leaves and the plant keeps producing.

  • Few pest problems: Shrugs off flea beetles and most other insects.

  • Heads up: Can bolt once heat sets in; sow early spring or for fall.

More to grow!

See all Chinese Cabbage Seeds